ODOP TO BRIDGE LOCAL PRODUCTS WITH NATIONAL MARKETS: HARSHVARDHAN CHAUHAN

The rich traditional craftsmanship nurtured in the hills of Himachal Pradesh is set to move beyond local and limited markets. The HIM MSME Fest, scheduled to be held from 3rd to 5th January at The Ridge& Peterhof, Shimla, will place the State’s One District One Product (ODOP)initiative at centre stage, opening new pathways for local products to access national and global markets.

Industry Minister Harshvardhan Chauhan said that the ODOP initiative is imparting a fresh direction to district economies by integrating traditional skills with modern market opportunities. The scheme is creating a strong foundation for sustainable livelihoods for farmers, artisans, and small entrepreneurs across the State. 

The IndustryMinister stated that ODOP reflects the State Government’s value-based industrial development strategy. By focusing on agro-based processing, handicrafts, manufacturing, and service sectors, the initiative is empowering local talent and unlocking economic potential at the grassroots level. 

He informed that, for the first time, ODOP products from all districts of Himachal Pradesh will be showcased together on a single platform. A dedicated ODOP pavilion will be set up during the Fest, enabling producers to interact directly with leading national market players, including Amazon and other major e-commerce platforms. This interface is expected to create new opportunities for branding, bulk procurement, and long-term market linkages.
Distinct Identity of Every District

Highlighting district-specific strengths, the Industry Minister said that each district has its own unique product identity, which is being promoted through value addition, improved packaging, and wider market access. Key ODOP products include:• Bilaspur: Amla Processing • Hamirpur: Agro-Products Processing • Chamba: World-renowned Chamba Rumal • Kullu: Traditional Kullu Shawl • Kangra: Kangra Tea and Miniature Paintings • Kinnaur: Traditional Chulli Oil • Lahaul & Spiti: Seabuckthorn (Chharma) Products • Mandi: Steel Furniture Industry • Una: Light Engineering Sector • Sirmaur: Packaging Industry• Solan: Mushroom Sector• Shimla: Tourism Sector with Technology Upgradation

Shri Chauhan said that the large-scale showcasing of ODOP at the MSME Fest marks a decisive step towards market integration. Reaffirming the Government’s commitment, he stated that continued policy support, infrastructure development, and strengthened market linkages will ensure that district-specific products of Himachal Pradesh gain national and international recognition.

He added that ODOP is emerging as a key instrument for transforming grassroots potential into scalable economic opportunities. The MSME Fest, he said, will not merely be an exhibition of products, but a reflection of Himachal Pradesh’s vision for a self-reliant future—where every district steps confidently into the global marketplace with its distinct identity.